MRI/MR Angiography

Built with patient comfort in mind, Sioux Center Health’s MRI helps ease anxiety and concerns with tight spaces. A wider table and larger opening gives the patient more room to relax while the procedure takes place. Each patient will be able to choose their preference in music during their exam.

Some of the advanced features include:

• A wide bore configuration with 500 pound dockable table accommodates significantly larger patients
• Motion suppression software to help successfully image patients with involuntary movement.
• Feet first scanning available for most body parts lessening anxiety for many claustrophobic patients.
• Music choices for every patient for better enjoyment.

What is MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the body uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. It may be used to help diagnose or monitor treatment for a variety of conditions within the body.

How to Prepare for an MRI?

Please remove all jewelry prior to coming to the hospital. Guidelines about eating and drinking before an MRI vary between specific exams. Unless you are told otherwise, take food and medications as usual.

What happens during an MRI?

Most MRI exams are painless. However, some patients find it uncomfortable to remain still. Others may feel closed-in (claustrophobic) while in the MRI scanner. The scanner can be noisy.

It is normal for the area of your body being imaged to feel slightly warm. If it bothers you, tell the radiology technologist. It is important that you remain perfectly still while the images are being taken. This is typically only a few minutes at a time. You will know when images are being recorded because you will hear loud tapping or thumping sounds. These are made when the coils that generate the radio waves are activated. You will be provided with earplugs or headphones to reduce the sounds made by the scanner. You may be able to relax between imaging sequences. However, you will be asked to keep the same position without moving.

You will usually be alone in the exam room. However, the technologist will be able to see, hear, and speak with you at all times using a two-way intercom.

In some cases, IV injection of contrast material may be given before the images are obtained. Some patients may have a temporary metallic taste in their mouth after the contrast injection.

Tell your doctor about any health problems, recent surgeries, or allergies and whether there’s a possibility you are pregnant. The magnetic field is not harmful, but it may cause some medical devices to malfunction. Most orthopedic implants pose no risk, but you should always tell the technologist if you have any devices or metal in your body.